A Wiccan funeral is a ceremony held to honor and celebrate the life of a deceased individual who practiced or identified with the Wiccan religion. Wicca, also known as Pagan Witchcraft, is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that places a strong emphasis on nature, spirituality, and harmony. Wiccan funeral rites reflect these beliefs and incorporate rituals, symbols, and customs that are unique to the Wiccan tradition. The main objective of a Wiccan funeral is to provide a peaceful and sacred space for mourning and remembrance, celebrating the life of the departed, and helping them transition into the afterlife. These rituals are generally conducted by a High Priestess or High Priest, who guides the attendees through the ceremony. Before the funeral, preparations are made to create an appropriate atmosphere.
Psychiatry and counseling have long accepted the premise that everyone processes grief in a unique way. Mortellus suggests, "The funeral industry has long been influenced by Christian beliefs and practice. A Christian funeral is proper; other choices embrace some kind of error." As culture becomes more diverse, it becomes vital for society to embrace funeral practices which support different belief systems. "When families fall under the Pagan umbrella of beliefs, communicating their desires and wishes clearly nurtures better understanding in the industry and allows for comfort during their time of grief," says Mortellus.
Just as pre-planning a traditional funeral has become popular, pre-planning for Wiccans is vital for making their beliefs and personal preferences known so they can be incorporated into a service. Wiccan funerals usually involve a ceremony created to help the deceased in their journey and to help the family and loved ones heal through the grieving process.
Before the funeral, preparations are made to create an appropriate atmosphere. Altars adorned with candles, flowers, and Wiccan symbols are often set up to honor the deceased and create a connection with the spiritual realm. Participants may be encouraged to bring offerings such as herbs, crystals, or written messages to place on the altar.
Organizing a Memorial Service for a Pagan Family Member
The loss of a loved one can be exceptionally challenging to bear. But one way to honour their memory is to organize a funeral memorial service that is aligned with their spiritual beliefs.
If your loved one considered themselves a pagan, you can host a beautiful memorial service that celebrates nature and the wonders of the Earth.
At Perth Cremations , we can help you organize a memorial service according to your bespoke needs and requirements. Feel free to speak to us today to discuss your options.
What is paganism?
Paganism is a branch of spirituality that does not pertain to any specific religion. Instead, practitioners of paganism consider Mother Nature and the elements to be a form of divinity and focus on nature worship.
If your loved one considered themselves a pagan, you can give them a loving Pagan funeral memorial service that is aligned with pagan natural practices.
Tips to organize a pagan memorial service for your loved one
Different branches of paganism – such as Shamanism, Druidry, Wicca etc. – have different ceremonies prescribed for funerals. But one commonality between them all is the celebration of nature. When you’re planning a memorial service for a Pagan family member, consider doing the following:
1. Have wreaths made of local indigenous flowers and plants
Pagan practitioners celebrate the bounty of the land they live on. Having funeral wreaths made of local, indigenous flora is a great way to celebrate the beliefs of your loved one. You can check the symbolism of different local flowers online to infuse specific significance into the memorial service. For example, Irises for honour and respect.
2. Bring small statues of their matron/patron deities to the memorial service
Some pagans do worship deities – either Christian deities or gods & goddesses from another culture. If your loved one had a matron or patron deity, you can honour their beliefs by bringing the statues of the deity to the service and placing them next to the burial site. You can even keep these statutes on the burial site for a few more months.
3. Read poems on nature instead of religious verses
Poems on nature are one of the best offerings you can give to a Pagan loved one during their memorial service. Poems such as “ Rain Light ” by W.S. Merwin, “ Nothing Gold Can Stay ” by Robert Frost, “ I Thank You God for Most This Amazing ” by E.E. Cummings and “ The Grasses ” by Rumi are a few choices you can consider.
4. Encircle the burial site with candles
Many spiritual practitioners use candles in their practice. Candles represent the steadiness and brightness of the soul, and they represent divine light. A beautiful way to showcase your love for your family member is to light white candles around the burial site. White represents the purity of intention and renewal.
5. Light incense, sage and myrrh
Incense, sage and myrrh are herbs that are believed to have the power to remove negative energies. They infuse the air with positivity and power. Additionally, many Pagan rituals use incense as an offering to the divine. Lighting incense, sage and myrrh during the memorial service can be a wonderful way to help your loved one’s spirit connect with their matron/patron deity.
6. Place your local, seasonal fruits and vegetables as offerings on their gravesite
Just as with local flowers, indigenous and seasonal vegetables and fruits can make wonderful burial site offerings. This is a way to celebrate your loved one’s spiritual beliefs and also give back to the local community.
7. Consider burying them with their sacred altar tools or books
If your loved one had any sacred spiritual tools and/or books, you can consider burying them with them. While not all pagans use altar tools, some may use crystals, deity statutes, divination decks, chalice, spiritual books, etc.
At Perth Cremations , we understand the importance of honouring your loved one’s spiritual beliefs and wishes. We will help you organize a funeral memorial service that helps you celebrate their memory in the most beautiful, loving and authentic way possible. Contact us to speak to one of our memorial service directors today.
Some pagans do worship deities – either Christian deities or gods & goddesses from another culture. If your loved one had a matron or patron deity, you can honour their beliefs by bringing the statues of the deity to the service and placing them next to the burial site. You can even keep these statutes on the burial site for a few more months.
During the funeral, various rituals and symbolic acts take place. The ceremony may begin with the casting of a protective circle, using a wand or athame (ritual knife), to create a sacred space. This circle is believed to separate the physical realm from the spiritual realm and provide protection and focus for the ritual. The reading of poetry, songs, or passages from Wiccan sacred texts may follow, paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of the departed. Eulogies delivered by loved ones may also be incorporated to share personal memories and experiences. Symbols of nature such as flowers, herbs, and stones are often used in Wiccan funerals. These elements represent life, growth, and the cycle of nature. As part of the ceremony, mourners may scatter petals or release herbs into the air as a means of letting go and allowing the spirit of the deceased to be free. Another crucial aspect of a Wiccan funeral is the concept of the "veil" or "thin places," which represents the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds. Participants may be encouraged to meditate or visualize the deceased passing through the veil, transitioning into the next phase of existence. At the end of the ceremony, the circle that was initially cast is often closed, symbolizing the completion of the funeral rites and the return to mundane reality. Participants may join hands and share words of gratitude or blessings before the final farewell. Overall, a Wiccan funeral is a deeply spiritual and personal experience, celebrating the life of the departed and acknowledging their connection to the divine. It provides comfort, closure, and a sense of continuity for the loved ones left behind, while also honoring the beliefs and practices of the deceased..
Reviews for "Sacred Symbols: Exploring the Magickal Elements of Wiccan Funeral Poek"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Wiccan Funeral Poem". The book lacked any depth or substance, and the poems felt like they were written by someone who had just recently discovered Wiccan beliefs but had no real understanding of them. The poetry was shallow and lacked any real emotional impact. As someone who appreciates poetry that addresses deep themes and explores profound experiences, this book fell incredibly short.
2. Emily - 2 stars
"Wiccan Funeral Poem" had potential but ultimately failed to deliver. While the concept of exploring Wiccan rituals and beliefs through poetry was interesting to me, the execution fell flat. The poems lacked cohesion and felt disjointed, making it difficult to connect with the content. Additionally, I found the language to be overly simplistic, which detracted from the overall quality of the work. Overall, I was left wanting more depth and substance from this collection.
3. Sarah - 1 star
I'm sorry to say that "Wiccan Funeral Poem" was a complete disappointment. The poems lacked any emotional resonance and seemed more like a collection of random thoughts than structured works of art. As someone who appreciates poetry that provokes introspection and stirs the soul, this book fell completely short. The poems felt forced and contrived, without any real depth or beauty. I would not recommend this collection to anyone looking for meaningful and engaging poetry.
4. Mark - 2 stars
While "Wiccan Funeral Poem" had an intriguing concept, the execution left much to be desired. The poems felt repetitive and lacked any real originality. The language used was often cliché and predictable, making it difficult for me to connect with the content. In addition, the exploration of Wiccan beliefs felt superficial and shallow, as if the author had only scratched the surface. Overall, I found this collection to be lacking in depth and creativity.
5. Amanda - 1 star
I had high hopes for "Wiccan Funeral Poem" but was ultimately let down. The poems felt amateurish and lacked the polish and refinement I expect from a poetry collection. The themes were underdeveloped, and the language used felt trite and unoriginal. There was a lack of depth and emotional impact throughout the book, leaving me feeling unsatisfied as a reader. Overall, I cannot recommend this collection to anyone seeking well-crafted and engaging poetry.